Katikati and Waihi to Katikati map

Katikati is a small arty town with a thriving community.

Known as New Zealand’s mural town, there are many artistic nooks to be explored in Katikati, with artwork front and centre. In 2018, Katikati was named, “Avocado Capital of New Zealand.” According to the Western Bay Museum, Katikati was settled in 1875 by George Vesey Stewart and settlers from Ulster Northern Ireland. But it has a long history of Māori occupation well before that. Alongside the town’s weekly markets and regular events there are Twilight Concerts, an Avocado Food and Wine Festival in January each year, A&P Show and the biennial New Zealand Mural Contest and Arts Festival. The Katikati Plant and Produce market meets every Friday night at the A&P showgrounds on Major St, Katikati. The

Meaning of place name

When Tamatekapua, commander of the Arawa canoe, stopped here for a meal, his men ate their food quickly, but Tama nibbled his slowly, hence Katikati-oTamatekapua, katikati: nibbling; o: of; Tamatekapua. Reputedly the original name of Waterford was changed to Katikati because the town’s founder George Vesey Stewart did not want to pay extra on telegrams from Britain by adding the words ‘New Zealand’ (the original Waterford being in Ireland). – New Zealand History, nzhistory.govt.nz.

Lions Moggies market is held on the second Saturday of each month at the Katikati War Memorial Hall. The Katikati Artisan Craft Market is held the third Saturday of the month at Chrome Café. To find out what’s on in the town visit the katikati.org.nz website.

Please note that the trip from Waihi to Katikati is NOT a part of the Hauraki Rail Trail and is on State Highway 2.

The Kaimai Coast, a beautiful stretch of coastline, encompasses in just a few kilometres many of the features that make New Zealand such a special place; the rolling surf to the tranquil harbour, thermal pools, orchards and farms on the fertile fringe of land sloping up to the bush-clad hills of the Kaimai ranges. Katikati is known as New Zealand’s Mural Town and the Avocado Capital of New Zealand. Katikati is a bustling, friendly township of around 5,000 people with a great community spirit. There are many gems to explore in Katikati. The Haiku Pathway is a tranquil riverside walk featuring a winding path leading past boulders engraved with Haiku, short poems written by poets from around the world. This is the largest collection of haiku ‘stones’ outside Japan and the only haiku pathway in the Southern Hemisphere. The Western Bay Museum is a modern, boutique sized museum situated in the heart of town. High-quality permanent collections, interactive exhibitions and fun tour-experiences bring to life the pioneering spirit of the local Māori, Ulster Irish and other settlers who together built the area. Exhibitions are updated two to three times a year keeping the museum fresh and exciting, encouraging visitors to return regularly. Guided Tours are held regularly throughout the week.

The Arts Junction is the arts hub of Katikati and includes an art gallery, gift shop and boutique cinema/theatre. It is also home to the Visitor Information Centre and is open 7 days. Maps for the murals and sculptures located throughout the town are available online or from the Visitor Information Centre. There are amazing bush walks in the foothills of the Kaimai Ranges, whether it’s a 40 minute walk to a giant kauri tree, a 4 hour loop walk through stunning bush and old milling relics or an overnight trek to a DOC hut, they’re all central to Katikati. For those who like a slower pace there are walk and cycleways around the Katikati town and urban area. Just over 20km of trails and linking roads take you coastal and through lovely parks and reserves, a great way to take in all the scenery that makes Katikati so special.